Free Apocalypse Rising by Eric Swett

Haden said before he slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, leather-covered box.
    “A gift you say?” Kassaah extended a hand toward the box, but stopped short, eyeing it like it might well have been a scorpion. “And what would this gift cost me?”
    “Cost you?” Haden’s voice was filled with shock and insult. “Whatever would make you suspect me of ulterior motives?”
    “Experience.”
    Haden laughed. There was dark mirth in it, but it was genuine. “So true, old friend; I have been nothing but unkind with you in the past, but I want to change that between us, and I offer this gift. Free of charge.” Haden once more held the box out to the Orphean.
    The snake-man took the box and turned it over in his hand slowly, checking it for any external markings that might indicate what was inside. Finding nothing, he stuffed it into a pocket. “So you wish to be friends,” said Kassaah. “Why now? And let us cut to the heart of this bargain”
    The steely gaze, through the slitted eyes of his host, was unreadable, the practiced look of an expert negotiator. Haden considered ignoring the request, but it that was a dead end road that would only extend the visit, something Haden was loathe to do. “Very well, I need information.”
    “Information you say. Information will cost more than friendship I am afraid.” The Orphean steepled his fingers in front of his face and smiled. He was in a favorable position to start their bargain.
    Haden smiled inwardly. “Ahh, but this time friendship means everything. You see, your people have crossed paths with a higher power, someone even I fear, and they have upset him greatly.” Kassaah leaned forward, eyes widening on the edges ever so slightly. “He negotiated in good faith, and still his generous offers were rejected beyond all reason. I am simply trying to prevent genocide.”
    Kassaah stared at his guest, trying to gauge how much truth, and how much bluff, was involved. Given Haden’s very nature there was always some of both, but it was the balance that mattered. “Genocide,” said Kassaah, the word came out slowly, like a bandage removed gradually. “What do you mean?”
    Haden was the picture of calm concern. “My employer has grand plans for this world, and he had planned to allow the Orpheans to remain a part of it, but the poor negotiating done yesterday did not endear your people to him.” Haden shrugged his shoulders, and said, “What he does not like, he does not suffer to live.”
    Kassaah studied Haden, his eyes squinting as if the narrower view would reveal the truth. The snake-man had dealt with Haden on many occasions, and knew he was capable of deceptions that would challenge some of the greatest Orphean rulers. He sensed that there was more truth, than lies in his words this time.
    "I cannot change their minds myself, but I can tell you, they are afraid. They felt the powers of Light move through the universe, and the Host's attention lies upon this world," said Kassaah. "We do not favor the light, but we are wary of its wrath."
    Haden considered the information for a moment, and smiled. “So the Light moved and the Orpheans blinked? How utterly disappointing,” he said before standing. “It does however make sense. Still, you should talk to any friends you have about reconsidering Albert’s offer. The Light often moves, but rarely do they act. In the last two-thousand years, the Light has done almost nothing direct, always pushing their chores off on some poor, true believer of the mortal plane. And we both know that usually ends in some form of martyrdom.” Haden smiled at the snake-man. “No, there will be no interference this time, not until it is too late.”
    “I will do what I can,” said Kassaah.
    “See that you do so, friend. Events are moving quickly, and I would not see your people left behind in the offing.” Haden stood and walked to the doorway. He placed his hand on the door, turned back to the Orphean, and